Philipp Buhl, from the Allgäu region of Germany, is not only one of the world’s top Laser sailors. The 33-year-old top athlete also placed third in the 2022 European Moth Championship. Despite his continuing strong Olympic ambitions in the ILCA7 class, Philipp Buhl also intends to continue competing in the Moth class. “Moth sailing is not only fun, it also promotes a feeling for boat speed and an understanding of trim and material, which also benefits me in the Laser. In addition, in the Moth class I can compete against sailing superstars from other important fields of our sport. It gives me a super chance to prove myself for my sailing career after Olympic sailing,” says Buhl with a twinkle in his eye.
The who’s who of international sailing scene can regularly be found and admired in the Moth class. The stars from America’s Cup, SailGP and Olympics compete against each other in prestigious races and enjoy these summits at the highest level whilst having fun doing it. In the Moth class is a crucible of high performance like no other sailing sport. From America’s Cup winner and Olympic champion Peter Burling, Olympic 49er champion Dylan Fletcher and Olympic Laser Gold medalist Paul Goodison to Worlds, Olympic, America’s Cup and SailGP winner Tom Slingsby, everyone loves the art and challenge of Moth sailing.
“This line-up is absolutely unique” says Buhl “and yet there is still a very relaxed and unbiting atmosphere at the Moth regattas. A Moth World Championship is a source of euphoria and camaraderie, while still being sailed at the highest level! It’s contagious!”
The Moth class is regulated in terms of boat construction but allows for a lot of leeway in terms of sails. The new partnership offers Buhl the chance to be involved in an even closer cooperation with Dimension-Polyant and Quantum Sails and to sail for the big titles with new sails made of Dimension- Polyant Tyra PLY® from the 2023 season onwards. Buhl has already been able to test the material, which has been used by Lennon Sails during the current validation phase of Tyra PLY®. Owner and head of design Mike Lennon will in future design the Moth sails for Quantum Sails, among others, and will continue to work with Buhl in that area.
Dimension-Polyant Managing Director Uwe Stein says: “We are very pleased to have gained a partner for development in Philipp Buhl, who can give us direct input from practical top-class experience and also make our new product known among top international sailors.”
